A small town in eastern Iowa could be hosting one of the biggest celebrations in the state this summer outside of the Iowa State Fair. James Gruenwald is a spokesperson for Williamsburg’s Sesquicentennial. He says the community has 150 activities planned over a four day period, "it’s like going to the state fair in your back yard."
The party gets started this Saturday and continues through Independence Day. There are parades planned for every day, live music each night, and a huge midway. "There are 80 activities planned in the midway," Gruenwald says, "from mechanical rides to inflatables to things you would see at the state fair or Adventureland." Tickets for the midway start as low as $10 a day.
Williamsburg is a growing community, located just off I-80, 20 miles west of Iowa City. The town has added several new buildings and attractions in recent years including a rec center, an aquatic center, a new fire station, a new elementary school, a redesigned golf course, and an assisted living center.
"But what makes Williamsburg so unique compared to other communities," Gruenwald says, "is that the people that grew up here, come back, and raise families here and continue to give and give and try to make the community grow." Williamsburg may be best known around the state for the Tanger Factory Outlet Center, but the town is also home to Kinze Manufacturing and Holden’s Seeds, which both have an impact on world agriculture. For more information on-line about Williamsburg’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, visit www.Williamsburg150years.com .